On January 15, 2013, India will stand up united to pay respects to the brave men and women who have laid down their lives to safeguard our way of life.

Since independence, the Indian Army has grown to be a professional, apolitical and humanitarian force to reckon with, while serving in the most adverse and diverse conditions.

Unlike any Army in the world, it has had the unique experience of fighting wars, at minus 50 degrees centigrade, in Siachen and braving the hot climate conditions in the Thar desert, at plus 50 degrees.

It is time to light a candle, to show that we have not forgotten the fallen.

It is time to light a candle; to show that as we move on, we cherish their memories, we value their sacrifice and we hail their courage.